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Much better than expected

Having read a few negative reviews on here, we weren't too sure how it would go at Apaliving. Luckily we did our homework - mainly thanks to fellow Trip Advisors' reviews - and sorted out our Door & Room codes before we arrived, so no hassles during check in.
The Hotel is more like an apartment block and I think they have a mix of long and short-term guests. We found staff to be very nice. They only work office hours though, so plan to have to sort your own stuff out at times.
The hotel is about 8min walking from Basel SBB main railway station and we found the place very easily. In the area near the hotel there was no shortage of shops, supermarkets, eateries (we basically ONLY ate at Sutter, a lovely cafe which also sells SALADS, pastries and pastas) and tram stations.
The room was larger than expected, like a wee flat, but without the kitchen. The room was clean and fairly well furnished (lots of storage place AND a fridge where we kept our own perishable food). WIFI was available and worked well, however they have a system where you need to go online and request a new password every hour (this is sentto your cellphone at no cost, I think) but can be a painful experience.
Bathroom OK, hot water and water pressure OK also. Despite being quite a big place, we slept soundly...Having read a few negative reviews on here, we weren't too sure how it would go at Apaliving. Luckily we did our homework - mainly thanks to fellow Trip Advisors' reviews - and sorted out our Door & Room codes before we arrived, so no hassles during check in.The Hotel is more like an apartment block and I think they have a mix of long and short-term guests. We found staff to be very nice. They only work office hours though, so plan to have to sort your own stuff out at times.The hotel is about 8min walking from Basel SBB main railway station and we found the place very easily. In the area near the hotel there was no shortage of shops, supermarkets, eateries (we basically ONLY ate at Sutter, a lovely cafe which also sells SALADS, pastries and pastas) and tram stations.

The room was larger than expected, like a wee flat, but without the kitchen. The room was clean and fairly well furnished (lots of storage place AND a fridge where we kept our own perishable food). WIFI was available and worked well, however they have a system where you need to go online and request a new password every hour (this is sentto your cellphone at no cost, I think) but can be a painful experience.

Bathroom OK, hot water and water pressure OK also. Despite being quite a big place, we slept soundly every night.

All in all, as long as you know you're not checking in into an actual hotel, and you're OK with it, it's probably worth the money you spend as you have a chance to store your food, you're very central and you can use their washing machines and dryers in the basement. Please note that whilst this service is provided free of charge, it took us over 3 hours to dry (medium size) load, which was ridiculous. I think this was due to 2 out of 3 dryers not working properly.

CHF 150 per night was probably more than we should have paid, hence 3/5 for VALUE, but quite happy with what we got regardless.More

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Room Tip: Ask for a quiet room away from the elevator. Definitely ask for a Door and Room code if you're planning to check in before/after office hours.

Stayed: October 2013, travelled as a couple

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Ask el_ser83 about Apaliving Basel - Budget Hotel

1 Thank el_ser83

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Considering most motels and hotels near the SBB rail station are CHF200 or more, this was a steal. I traveled alone and found the room to be perfectly adequate. Sure, the TV is small and only has one English Channel. Sure there's no AC. But the hotel is within walking distance to SBB, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. 2 tram stations are nearby to bring you into the old city (Altstadt) for free (they give you a mobility card at check in.) If you send them an email prior to arrival, they provide door entry code and code to get your room key. They will even store your luggage during reception hours (7-5:30 during weekdays). Convenience without cost! My only negative would be the hard bed which I found difficult to sleep on since I like soft mattresses. Book this place already!

Stayed: September 2013

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Ask Cooldeben about Apaliving Basel - Budget Hotel

Thank Cooldeben

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

It was a nice stay on the apartments as it was very near to the railway station. I find it slightly over-priced but when you take everything like distance, location, transport etc in consideration then it is a fairly good deal. Rooms are nice and spacious. Staff is also very helpful. There have this process of check-in before certain time of day else you need to get a password from the folks and collect the keys to your room from an automated machine, I liked that about it!! Have stayed there during last 2 trips to Basel and might consider it next time as well..

Stayed: April 2013, travelled on business

Ask LALOTRA about Apaliving Basel - Budget Hotel

2 Thank LALOTRA

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Introduction was to a locked hotel when I arrived and a number to call posted to get code to check in. Unless you have a phone that operates in Switzerland, that's a problem. Would it be too difficult to send us an email with the code and instructions to get the key?

Cleaning schedule erratic, perhaps is by plan but would be nice to see posting of when to expect. And on Saturday morning with hotel closed for weekend and leaving on Sunday the soap/shampoo ran out. Too much to expect a refill after a 10-day stay?

And other inconveniences in between. A rally bad experience overall...

Stayed: August 2013, travelled solo

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Ask rmcconne about Apaliving Basel - Budget Hotel

1 Thank rmcconne

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

It's a good budget place if you plan to stay in switzerland in a short period time, they also had monthly fees which is also good. Close to the train station around 15min walking so really easy to travel as well. Don't expect anything special about it, but it's neat and clean.

Room Tip: - No reception for quite a long period including evenings and weekends so please check beforehand.
- Monthly plans with better fees
- As any other place, check if is high season before going, prices everywhere change according to the big events
- 15min walking from the SBB Train station

Stayed: September 2012, travelled on business

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Ask Gabasjp about Apaliving Basel - Budget Hotel

1 Thank Gabasjp

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Clean, friendly, convenient and favorably priced for long-timers like me. I have been staying here for 6 months and have been extremely happy. It's quiet and the wi-fi is always available so it's easy to work in the evenings if necessary.

Room Tip: Get a room facing the back. You get woken by the sound of birdsong and can't hear the traffic.

Stayed: May 2013, travelled on business

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Ask RBCPH about Apaliving Basel - Budget Hotel

1 Thank RBCPH

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC